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According to investigators, after shooting Ryan Birse, 22, multiple times last February at the KFC-Taco Bell, he took off and led police on a short vehicle pursuit.

The defense argued Ratliff, despite an IQ of 110, had a history of psychiatric problems and would be unable to stand trial.

The judge, however, disagreed, saying Ratliff had "the capacity to participate rationally in his own defense."

Hardin County Commonwealth Attorney Shane Young said he was grateful for the judge's decision and eager to see the case move forward.

"This is a young man who lived a very law-abiding life, worked hard and worked for everything he got, came from a very loving family. And while nobody deserves anything like that to happen to them it's especially sad when you have an individual that was living life the way it should be lived and had it cut short," Young said.

So far, investigators have not commented on a motive.

A trial date is expected to be set Tuesday when Ratliff returns to court.